5 dead, including 2 sheriff’s deputies, in North Carolina standoff, officials say

A 13-hour standoff in North Carolina ended late Wednesday with five dead, including two deputies and the shooter.

Deputy Logan Fox died at the scene, and Sgt. Chris Ward died at Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee, the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office said.

Two civilians whose names have not yet been released also died. The sheriff’s office said a Boone Police officer was also hit with gunfire during a rescue attempt but was uninjured.

“This is an incredibly tragic situation and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved as well as their families and our community,” said Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman in a statement. “I greatly appreciate the tremendous support we are receiving from law enforcement agencies across the region and the state.”

The standoff unfolded in the Western North Carolina town of Boone, about 100 miles northwest of Charlotte.

Investigators say it began shortly before 10 a.m. when Watauga County sheriff’s deputies made a welfare check at 553 Hardaman Circle in Boone. An employer of the homeowner reported the person had not shown up for work and was not answering the phone.

“Deputies entered the residence after discovering all vehicles belonging to the residents were on the property. Upon entering the home, two Watauga County Sheriff’s deputies received gunshot wounds from an unknown individual within the residence,” the department said.

The shooter, who was barricaded inside the home, “periodically” fired toward deputies, officials said.

“This is an incredibly tragic situation and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved as well as their families and our community,” Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman said, according to the AP.

More than 15 law enforcement agencies responded to the site, including the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation and the N.C. State Highway Patrol, according to The Associated Press.

Watauga County Emergency Services had issued an alert just before 11:30 a.m. Wednesday calling for some nearby residents to stay in their homes with their doors and windows closed.

The residential street in Boone is about six miles from Appalachian State University. App State Police said there was no threat to the campus.

Sheriff B. Phil Howell of neighboring Ashe County called for prayers in a statement on Facebook.

“If you can take 30 seconds right where you stand, pray for Watauga Co. Sheriffs Office, Ashe Sheriffs Office and all responding LEO, Medics & Fire,” he said. “We need every single one...”

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, a North Carolina Republican whose district includes Watauga County, issued a statement on Twitter just before 4 p.m.

“My prayers are with the deputy that was injured in the line of duty this afternoon and the entire Watauga County Sheriff’s Department,” she said. “These brave men and women put their lives on the line to protect us, and they deserve our profound gratitude every day.”